Kidney Stone Disease And Nutrition According To The Type Of Stones Formed

Kidney stone disease or also known as urolithiasis is relatively common, as the territory of Bulgaria falls into the endemic zone of spread of the disease. Men are affected relatively more often than women. The disease itself is expressed in the crystallization of minerals in the urine due to their increased concentration and altered pH , as a result of which concretions (stones) of different shapes and sizes are formed.

Patients in the age range of 30 to 60 years are most commonly affected, but virtually any age can be affected.

What are the causes of the disease?

As with most diseases, heredity plays an important role, with urolithiasis being more common in people whose close relatives also suffer from it. Some congenital malformations of the kidneys, as well as the presence of a kidney are a prerequisite for easier formation of stones. Frequent urinary tract infections, changes in urine pH, and poor eating habits are just some of the multifactorial etiologies of the disease.

Prolonged use of some medications can also be a predisposing factor for the formation of kidney stones. Drugs with similar effects are some diuretics, antibiotics from the group of sulfonamides, some drugs prescribed for glaucoma and others. In case of parathyroid disease, associated with an increased amount of calcium in the blood and, accordingly, in the urine, there is also a risk of developing urolithiasis.

Recommendations for a proper diet with an increased risk of kidney stones

The main role is sufficient daily water intake and prevention of dehydration. Recommendations for fluid intake include drinking 2 to 3 liters of water, distributed in even amounts throughout the day. The reason is that when you drink less fluids, the urine is concentrated and accordingly creates a precondition for the formation of stones. Drinking teas with a pronounced diuretic effect (linden, rose hips) has an auxiliary effect for easier separation of the already formed grains of sand or stones.

It is important to avoid caffeine, as well as some strong teas or hard alcohol, as they have a dehydrating effect on the body. On hot days, as well as during more intense physical activity, it is important to increase fluid intake to prevent possible dehydration. Dehydration can also occur in some infectious diseases with increased fluid loss - vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and more.

The composition of the stones that are formed is important for the type of diet in kidney stones, as some of them require the intake of foods and fluids with an alkalizing character, and with others with an acidifying one. The reason lies in the fact that different stones dissolve at different pH of urine.

In the case of predisposition to the formation of urate stones (uric acid), it is recommended to alkalize the diet and drink water rich in bicarbonate. In addition, most vegetables and fruits also alkalize the environment in the body. In the case of oxalate stones, it is important to exclude from the diet products containing an increased amount of oxalates - cocoa, spinach, various types of nuts, prunes, figs, chocolate and others.

In the case of calcium phosphate stones, it is recommended that the intake of calcium does not exceed the daily doses, which are in the range of 600-800 mg. In addition, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist for the possible presence of underlying parathyroid disease associated with an increased amount of calcium in the blood.

The importance of diet has a role to play in combating the disease. It is important for patients to avoid exposure to various risk factors, such as urinary tract infections or fluid intake.